DMX died on April 9, 2021 in White Plains, New York, after he was hospitalized on April 2 following a reported heart attack.
Biography
Earl Simmons was the second of three children of a single mother, and was born in Mount Vernon, New York Simmons ended up growing up in the School Street housing projects of Yonkers, New York. He began rapping around the age of 13, amusing crowds of children with rhymes that relied on spelled-out words, a style he called "spellbound." A local rapper eventually asked the young Earl to beatbox for him, and Simmons agreed, adopting the stage name DMX, which stands for "Dark Man of the Unknown," X being an algebraic expression for unknown. But at the time, stood for a drum system that delivered amazing beats. Eventually he decided to try his hand at serious rapping, and honed his skills during a stint at a group home. He also got into fights and frequently was on the run from police. During this period, he also began doing shows and battling other rappers (Once battling and defeating Jay-Z), making a name for himself in the New York area. He released his first album called "DMX: Unleashed and Unreleased" which was an instant hit on the streets of Yonkers. He was also featured in the Unsigned Hype section of The Source in 1988.
He stated he wanted to be a preacher when he retires from his rapping career as he stated in his reality TV Show DMX: Soul Of A Man.
DMX was a fan of the Pit Bull type dogs (American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers). He had a tattoo of one of his deceased dogs, on his back, which read "One Love Boomer". He later contributed over $1 million to the United Negro Association for unfortunate black children in New York City..
Recording career
In and out of jail, DMX decided to focus solely on his rap career. He began seriously looking for a deal and linked up with Pete McCormick Schaub, an A&R for Small Island at the time. Eventually, he signed a management deal with Ruff Ryders. They negotiated deals with both Bad Boy and Death Row Records, but he eventually landed at Def Jam. He is currently at Sony BMG, set to release his first of three albums on August 1st 2006. Rumors also arose that DMX had signed for 50 Cent's G-Unit Records, but were dismissed in a public news conference.
It's Dark and Hell Is Hot
Before It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, DMX released the single "Born Loser" which was banned on MTV due to the video's graphic images. DMX's debut single was "Get At Me Dog", which was an instant hit. His critically-acclaimed debut album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, is often credited with revitalizing Hardcore Rap in the mainstream scene, after the death of Tupac Shakur, and after Puff Daddy and Bad Boy Entertainment briefly dominated the charts with their pop-oriented and sample-reliant tunes.
In 1997, DMX earned a second major-label shot with Def Jam, and made a successful guest appearance on LL Cool J's "4, 3, 2, 1." Additional guest spots on Ma$e's "24 Hours to Live" and fellow Yonkers MCs the The LOX's "Money, Power, & Respect" created an even stronger buzz, and in early 1998, he released his debut Def Jam single, "Get At Me Dog." The song went gold and was a hit on the rap and dance charts. The single paved the way for DMX to release his classic first full-length album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, which debuted as number one on the pop charts.
Produced mostly by Damon "Dame Grease" Blackman, (Swizz Beatz produced the "Ruff Ryders' Anthem", paving the way for future projects between the two). It's Dark and Hell Is Hot earned DMX numerous comparisons to Tupac Shakur for his booming and aggressive presence on the mic. The album went on to sell over four million copies and earned him credit for revitalizing Hardcore Rap after the deaths of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. Shortly after the album's release in May 1998, DMX was accused of raping a stripper in the Bronx, but was later cleared by DNA evidence. He made his film debut together with Nas and Method Man in Hype Williams' mildly successful film Belly. Although not a critical success, the film found a strong following with hip hop audiences.
Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood
DMX completed his second album before the end of 1998, and a pending buyout of Def Jam pushed the record into stores December 15. Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood entered the charts at number one and eventually went triple platinum. This number one hit made DMX the first rapper to have two number one albums in the same year. The cover photo of the rapper covered in pig's blood caused some controversy. The single "Slippin'" became his first chart hit in the UK. DMX hit the road with Jay-Z and the Method Man/Redman team on the blockbuster Hard Knock Life tour the following year. He had a song called "Jack Moves" with the legendary rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, but the song did not appear on the album.
...And Then There Was X
DMX released his third album on December 21, 1999, ...And Then There Was X, which was his third straight album to debut at number one. Party Up was his biggest single since "Get at Me Dog" which became his first Top Ten hit on the R&B charts. His next singles off the album, "What's My Name" & "What These Bitches Want" feat. Sisqó were also popular. ...And Then There Was X is the rapper's best-selling album to date, going 6x platinum and 9x platinum worldwide, & one of the fastest made by DMX : Def Jam urged him to realise the tracks within a month, while DMX used to take a year to write songs.
The Great Depression
After resolving his legal problems, DMX returned to the studio and completed his fourth album, The Great Depression. Released October 3, 2001, it was DMX's fourth straight album to debut at number one. The album demonstrated his still strong allegiance with the Ruff Ryders. The Great Depression went platinum quickly, but lacked the staying power of his previous releases.
Grand Champ
Released in 2003, Grand Champ was DMX's fifth straight album to debut at number one, extending DMX's position as the only artist in history to have 5 albums (his entire album catalog at that point) debut at #1. Fans and critics claimed disappointment with the album, most stating that it felt formulaic. After its release, DMX informed the public that he planned on retiring from the rap game and that Grand Champ would be his final album. He later ended his brief retirement and announced his plans to record the album Year of the Dog...Again. It debuted with approximately 125,000 albums sold, but failed to give DMX a sixth consecutive #1 album. The album is his lowest selling to date, and has yet to reach Gold in the U.S.
Year of the Dog...Again
Released August 1st 2006, Year of the Dog...Again had numerous problems due to DMX switching record labels, as well as numerous delays. The album's five predeccesors debuted at #1, while this album missed the top spot by only a few thousand sales. In March, 2006 it was announced that the album had been renamed to "Year of the Dog, Again," from "Here We Go, Again." When DMX switched to Sony, Def Jam allowed him to keep all of the tracks he had created for the album. It was reported that most of the tracks were being reworked, with updated production, however the reworked album has also been leaked. DMX has also appeared on Busta Rhymes' "Touch It (The Remix)". He has also released his new singles "Lord Give Me A Sign", and "We In Here" feat. Swizz Beatz, which are included in "Year of the Dog...Again".
Touch It
DMX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Aiyyo swizz I don't think they ready for this shit
Hey yo let me take they ass back to the club real quick
(get low bus!) who be the king of the sound? (uh huh)
Busta bus back to just put a lock on a town (uh huh)
Lot of my bitches be coming from miles around
See they be cumin (uh!) cause they know how the god get down (turn it up!!)
Now you know who holding the throne so gimme the crown (huh)
Niggas soluting and trying to give me a pound (come on)
I don't really fuck with you niggas you niggas is clown
Making the bitches stripping throw they shit on the ground
(get low bus!) now that's the way that it goes (uh huh)
When we up in the spot the shit be flooded with hoes (come on)
See we a make it hot, the chicks will come out their clothes
That's when you get it (huh) mami already know I suppose (turn it up!!)
Shorty wilding and shorty open she beasting it out
For the record (huh) just a second I'm freaking it out (come on)
While she trying to touch see I was peeping it out
She turned around and was trying to put my dick in her mouth I let her
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
(get low bus!) and as we started, got me ringing her bell (uh huh)
When I come I be doing it and doing it well (uh huh)
Then I beat up the coochie and be making it swell
Trying to hide the smell of the sex, spraying on the Chanel (turn it up!)
Then they try to walk with a strut so no one could tell
How a nigga got in they butt, made everything jail
Now the tickle wild like a nut, she blowing my cell (come on)
Can't get enough of the kid I put her under my spell
(get low bus!) it's crowded mami move it along (uh huh)
If you know you 'bout it then get to removing your thong (uh huh)
To the whip in back of the truck that's where you belong
After the yac, see the type of raunchy shit they be on (turn it up!!)
Street niggas respect it because my movement is strong (come on)
Cause we consistently reppin see my money is long
All my bitches is with me see how they singin the song
Plus how we give you the stick and we be dickin along, I let her
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
(get low bus!) the god of the black, see that I'm back (uh huh)
Every single time that I drop, the shit is a wrap (uh huh)
For the niggas hating the kid I'm close to strap
Cause all these bitches wanna come talk to sit on my lap (turn it up!)
Every time I give you bang shit to knock in your whip
Nigga always do his thing bitch locking the strip (come on)
Lot of mami's is dancing and they shaking they hips
After that they get low and put the thing on their lips, I let 'em
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it"
The lyrics "Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it, turn it, leave it, stop, format it" in DMX and Busta Rhyme's song "Touch It" are an ode to the power and control we have over technology. The four verbs, touch, bring, pay, and watch, are all actions one can take in regards to accessing technology, whether it be touching a screen or keyboard, bringing a device with you, paying for access or content, or watching something on a screen. The next four verbs, turn, leave, stop, and format, are commands or actions one can take to control technology, from turning it on or off, leaving it alone, stopping it from doing something, or formatting it to erase or reset it.
The verses of the song focus on the power and influence wielded by DMX and Busta Rhymes, particularly in the club scene. They are kings of the sound, with bitches flocking to them for a good time. They exude confidence and power, with their money and influence attracting the attention of women and earning the respect of street niggas. The sexual content of the song is explicit, with the two rappers bragging about their sexual prowess and the women they attract.
Line by Line Meaning
Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it
Encouraging the listener to engage with the song and its themes of sensuality and luxury.
Turn it, leave it, stop, format it
Playing with the idea of technological manipulation and control, as if the song itself were a software program.
Aiyyo swizz I don't think they ready for this shit
Confidence in the quality and power of the song, but also a hint of warning that the listener may not be ready for its explicit content and energy.
Hey yo let me take they ass back to the club real quick
Reminding the listener of the roots of hip hop and the song's connection to the club scene and party culture.
(get low bus!) who be the king of the sound? (uh huh)
Busta Rhymes proclaiming his dominance in the rap game, with the audience's enthusiastic response indicating agreement and support.
Busta bus back to just put a lock on a town (uh huh)
Asserting Busta Rhymes's power and influence not just as a rapper, but as a cultural figure who can shape and define a city's identity.
Lot of my bitches be coming from miles around
Highlighting Busta Rhymes's appeal and the range of women who are drawn to him and his music.
See they be cumin (uh!) cause they know how the god get down (turn it up!!)
Suggesting that Busta Rhymes's reputation for sexual prowess and wildness is what attracts these women to him and his performances.
Now you know who holding the throne so gimme the crown (huh)
Claiming the title of king of rap and demanding recognition and respect as such.
Niggas soluting and trying to give me a pound (come on)
Acknowledging the support and admiration he receives from other rappers and members of the hip hop community.
I don't really fuck with you niggas you niggas is clown
Dismissing any rivals or haters who may seek to diminish or challenge his status as a top rapper and performer.
Making the bitches stripping throw they shit on the ground
Describing the intense reaction that his music can provoke in fans, particularly women, who may be moved to dance and remove their clothing.
(get low bus!) now that's the way that it goes (uh huh)
Acknowledging the familiar and expected response that his music often elicits in audiences, particularly in the club scene.
When we up in the spot the shit be flooded with hoes (come on)
Claiming responsibility for creating a certain kind of vibe and atmosphere in the club, one that is sexually charged and filled with women who want to be around him and his music.
See we a make it hot, the chicks will come out their clothes
Describing the power and heat of his music in generating wild and seductive behavior in female fans.
That's when you get it (huh) mami already know I suppose (turn it up!!)
Asserting that he is able to sense and engage with the women who are most responsive to his style and energy, who are already primed for what he has to offer.
Shorty wilding and shorty open she beasting it out
Describing in graphic terms the way that some women react to his music and performance, unleashing their inner desires and physicality.
For the record (huh) just a second I'm freaking it out (come on)
Taking a moment to acknowledge his own role and pleasure in the sexual energy that his music generates.
While she trying to touch see I was peeping it out
Noting in a playful way that he is aware of the way that women are drawn to him and his music, even as he maintains a teasing distance from them.
She turned around and was trying to put my dick in her mouth I let her
Describing a graphic and explicit sexual encounter that he has with a female fan, emphasizing the power dynamic and his ability to control and satisfy her desires.
(get low bus!) and as we started, got me ringing her bell (uh huh)
Describing in more detail the intense sexual experience that he shares with this woman, with his physical prowess and skill leading to her strong reaction.
When I come I be doing it and doing it well (uh huh)
Boasting of his sexual ability and suggesting that his frequent experiences of orgasm are a testament to his skills as a lover.
Then I beat up the coochie and be making it swell
Using crude and vulgar language to describe his sexual conquest of this woman, with the suggestion that he is not gentle or respectful in his approach.
Trying to hide the smell of the sex, spraying on the Chanel (turn it up!)
Jokingly acknowledging the reality of post-sex smell and the steps that he takes to maintain his personal hygiene and image as a sophisticated man of luxury and taste.
Then they try to walk with a strut so no one could tell
Pointing out the way that women often carry themselves after a sexual encounter with him, with a newfound confidence and pride in their own sexuality.
How a nigga got in they butt, made everything jail
Using explicit and crude language to describe the way he has penetrated these women during sex, with the suggestion that he is causing them to lose control and surrender to him completely.
Now the tickle wild like a nut, she blowing my cell (come on)
Describing the continued desire and obsession that these women have for him after the sexual encounter is over, with some of them reaching out and seeking further contact or attention from him.
Can't get enough of the kid I put her under my spell
Using magical and mystical language to describe the power he has over these women, as if he has the ability to hypnotize them or cast a spell on them.
(get low bus!) it's crowded mami move it along (uh huh)
Encouraging the women in the club to continue dancing and enjoying themselves, even as they are surrounded by others and the atmosphere is increasingly intense and chaotic.
If you know you 'bout it then get to removing your thong (uh huh)
Making a direct and explicit request of the female fans in the club, suggesting that they should feel free to fully express their sexuality and desire in his presence and under his gaze.
To the whip in back of the truck that's where you belong
Inviting a female fan to join him in his car or limousine for further sexual encounter or intimacy, emphasizing his power and control over the situation.
After the yac, see the type of raunchy shit they be on (turn it up!!)
Acknowledging the role that alcohol or other substances may play in fueling the wild and sexual behavior of some fans, and encouraging more of this behavior in the club context.
Street niggas respect it because my movement is strong (come on)
Highlighting the admiration and support that he receives from a certain segment of the hip hop community, particularly those who appreciate his messages of power and dominance.
Cause we consistently reppin see my money is long
Boasting of his financial success and security, and suggesting that this is further proof of his status and power in the music industry.
All my bitches is with me see how they singin the song
Referencing the female fans who are supportive of him and his music, using derogatory language that reflects his objectification of them and their role in his world.
Plus how we give you the stick and we be dickin along, I let her
Using crude and explicit language to describe the way that he engages with women, with the suggestion that they are simply objects for him to use and play with.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: THOMAS BANGALTER, GUY MANUEL CHRISTO, KASEEM DEAN, TREVOR SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@purposebehindthepen
RIP to my favorite rapper. DMX was definitely the best.
@daudyisrael6142
.
@OnlyIKnow12
DMX's verse is the coldest of all
@nathancifuentes2448
OnlyIKnow12
COLDEST
@PinkGlitter26
FACTUAL!!!
@markfrank5937
"Going to collect money" music. 😂
@kaylahjanaeee1910
RIP to the GOAT, a true soldier x
@DeZastertron
My favorite verse from DMX. Rest in paradise.
@PhoeniXXX623
On GAWD!
@ThenGetIdOffUrChest
Whem dmx spits his verse.
Me: well that escalated quickly